5 fancy restaurants to try on a night out in Salt Lake City

ANN ELISE TAYLOR, Standard-Examiner Staff

From time to time, it’s fun to drive a little ways out of town and splurge on a fancy dinner. But when you do, it’s nice to have reassurance that higher bill will be worth your while.

To that effect, we’ve put together a guide to some of Yelp reviewers’ favorite high-end restaurants for the next time you’re in Salt Lake City for a concert, play or celebration.

The list below was taken from a Yelp search for the city’s best-rated restaurants that serve dinner and fall into the upper half of the site’s designated price range. And though the restaurants may feature pricier meals, reviewers have great things to say about them.

Description: Yelp reviewers rave about this restaurant’s tasty Italian fare, though several noted it does make for an expensive meal. The eatery’s pasta dishes were recommended most — and with about a dozen options, there’s no shortage of choices for even the pickiest of eaters. If you’re cutting down on carbs, though, there are plenty of entrees centered on seafood, chicken, veal and more.

Description: Sushi lovers, this one’s for you. The restaurant’s nigiri, sashimi and rolls all received high praise among Yelp reviewers. One diner highly recommended the “melt in your mouth” torched sablefish nigiri, and several said they were fans of the evergreen roll — a unique combination of albacore, asparagus, jalapeño, cilantro, spicy sauce and jalapeño-infused masago. Plenty of options are available for those who aren’t into sushi as well.

The restaurant often has long waits, several reviewers said. Reservations are taken on a limited basis — only for groups of six to 10 and only for seatings before 6 p.m. Yelpers recommended getting there early to avoid lengthy lines.

Description: If you’re looking for a classic meal featuring delicious, locally sourced steak and seafood, Harbor just might be the option for you. The Wagyu filet mignon was frequently mentioned among Yelp reviewers, as well as the wild Alaskan halibut. Several mentioned the bleu cheese bacon au gratin is the go-to choice for a tasty side. Multiple reviewers said the prices are high, so be ready to splurge.

Description: This restaurant takes a unique approach to Greek cusine, focusing on small plates that feature local and seasonal ingredients. Its menu is divides these tapa-style dishes — called “meze” — into vegetables, meat and seafood. Main courses are also available. Reviewers highlighted the paidakia, which combines grilled lamb riblets with caper chimichurri and sea salt.

Description: This Salt Lake City favorite describes itself as a new American bistro, with a menu that combines simple meats, seafood and vegetables with unique ingredients. Go-to dishes, according to Yelp reviewers, include the scallops — which come with tomato, lentils, shallots, bacon and artichoke — as well as the boar, which is paired with chile verde, tortillas and crema.

Many recommended the restaurant for its lovely ambiance and tasty cocktails as well.